Warholak Tires in Detroit

Submitted by denny April 18th, 2011
Certifikitsch Winner

We spotted this tire shop while exploring Detroit and I was initially attracted to the architecture and really plotzed when I saw what was standing on the roof.  Kids selling tires?  Huh?

I’m wondering if this rooftop sculpture is really little Billy Warholak?  It looks to me as if he is singing.

There is even a little statue in the window!  All pictures in this post were taken on April 8th, 2011.

15 Responses to “Warholak Tires in Detroit”

  1. Allee Willis

    I passed this building in Detroit too Arebut completely missed the singing baby holding the tire, one of the most insane roof ornaments I’ve ever seen. So happy that you documented it here.

    I’m guessing that it’s baby Warholak too. It’s not every kid who gets thrown up on a roof to hawk their parents’ products.

  2. denny

    I would have given anything to tool around Detroit with you. I had the best time and captured just a fraction of what Detroit has to offer. Your series here on your Detroit travels are fabulous.

  3. Douglas Wood

    The statue of the kid with the tire is beyond fantastic. And I’ve been loving all of the documentation of the Detroit trip from everyone who went.

  5. k2dtw

    Great post.. Wow… Denny I LOVE this great building!!! I can see the I-94 sign, do you remember where it was? The advertising piece on the roof is the old Fisk Tire Boy… wondering how old it is??? Great find Denny!!!
    Found this… The Fisk Tire Boy is all over Google…
    http://www.hemmings.com/hmn/stories/2006/08/01/hmn_feature15.html

    The famous icon The Fisk Tire Boy “Time to Re-Tire” created by Burr Giffen in 1907. The other famous illustrators employed by Fisk Tire were Norman Rockwell, and Maxfield Parrish.

  6. k2dtw

    http://www.warholaktire.com/

    I am knocked out… you can get the antique tires that you need from them.
    The original pictures on the site are so great…they opened July 4, 1931!!!
    Another listing says The Fisk Tire Boy is alabaster!!!
    Wonder if we need tires???…

    • Allee Willis

      Are you still saying you can still get antique tires from them? Whenever I can finally fix up my 55 Studebaker I will desperately need white walls.

      • k2dtw

        I might be sayin’…smile..
        This business/building and The Fisk Tire Boy are such a nice surprise!!! Looking at Denny’s picture, it looks like the building behind The Fisk Tire Boy is attached and much bigger, it has TIRES painted on the side??
        From the Warholak site…
        Warholak Tire Service
        “In addition to carrying close to every major brand of tire on the market today,Warholak Tire Service specializes in Vintage and hard-to-find items for every classic,antique or collectible automobile enthusiast” Visit our Vintage Tire section below for samples of what we carry in stock.
        http://dspanos.brinkster.net/warholak/vintage_items.html
        “If you’re looking for that one hard to find tire to complete your set or just looking for original replacement tires for that classic or antique vehicle, then you’ve come to the right place.”
        “Warholak Tire Service specializes in rare and hard to find tires.We carry 1000’s of tires in stock. Too many to list.”
        Call today and let us find that one tire that you’ve been searching for.
        (313)582-5544
        http://dspanos.brinkster.net/warholak/vintage_tires.html

  7. denny

    Thanks K2! At first I thought he was wearing overall’s but love it even more now that I know he is wearing his Pj’s.

  8. fiskboy

    Thanks for including us in your Detroit icons of kitsch. We will be celebrating our 80th anniversary in two weeks. Grandpa would be proud. I think. We could most certainly provide you with whitewalls for your Studebaker. If you’re in the area, stop by. If you think the outside is funky, you should see the inside. Btw the little boy is yawning and he is made of fiberglass.